KATC’s Katie Lopez got a lesson on two of South Louisiana’s most popular dances in preparation for Festival International.
The steps for some people are fairly simple, and once you get the hang of it, anything is possible.
If you have an experienced teacher like Harold Bernard of Glide Studios, even the most inexperienced dancer can begin to look like they’ve been dancing all of their life.
"I try to break it down and spoon feed it to people to where it’s really simple, says Bernard. "I want people to be enjoying it pretty soon. You don’t want people to struggle at it. You want them to say, ‘Oh, that’s it?’"
Around for centuries, the waltz and two-step are two of the most popular dances that can be seen throughout South Louisiana. And as Bernard explains, the music that accompanies these dances are more than just a part of the Cajun culture.
"It’s an exchange between the musicians and the people. Around here, there is a lot of music everywhere and that music is put on platforms and stages. It’s not only part of the culture; people are moved by it."
And while the steps can look a bit tricky, Bernard says it’s all in the timing.
"The waltz is two–two times and the two-step is four-four time."
So when you head down to Festival International this weekend, let the music take control and let your feet lead the way.